Abstract Memetics is a new theory to disclose the law of cultural development showing extremely close relationship with language, and they interact with each other. The Prefabricated Chunk is a multi-phrase structure with immobilization in form and prefabricate in semantics that perfectly satisfy the three characteristics of successful replicators, and its acquisition will have great effects on improving the ability of writing. Taking the great similarity between the textual organization of prefabricated chunks and language Memetics into consideration, the thesis will probe into the application of prefabricated chunks in English writing exemplified by TEM4 from the perspective of Memetics; and thus it can be practiced in teaching and learning writing better.58473

Key words: Prefabricated Chunks; Memetics; English writing

摘要模因论是解释文化进化规律的新理论，与语言的关系十分密切。语言是模因的载体，而模因本身又靠语言复制和传播。预制语块是形式上具有固定性、语义上具有预制特征的多词结构，完全符合成功复制因子的三大特点, 它的成功习得对于提高写作能力具有重要意义。考虑到预制语块具有特殊的语篇组织功能及其与语言模因生命周期的相似性，本文将结合具体事例浅析模因视角下预制语块在英语写作中的具体运用，以便在英语写作教学中实践。

毕业论文关键词：预制语块；模因；英语写作

Contents

1. Introduction １

2. Literature Review ２

2.1 The Definition of Prefabricated Chunks ２

2.2 Studies on Using Prefabricated Chunks in Writing ３

2.3 Studies on Memetics ４

3. Feasibility of Applying Chunks to Writing From the Memetics’ View ５

3.1 Relationship between Prefabricated Chunks and Writing ５

3.2 Relationship between Memetics and Writing ６

3.3 Using Prefabricated Chunks from the Perspective of Memetics in Writing ８

4. Applying Prefabricated Chunks into English writing from Memetics Point of View—Taking TEM4 Writing As A Case ９

4.1 The Analysis of Characteristics of TEM4 Writing Language ９

4.2 The Memetic TEM4 Writing Model and Its Specific Operation 10

5. Conclusion 13

Works Cited 16

1. Introduction

With the development of the society, English has become the most widely spoken in the world. As we all know, ‘listening, speaking, reading and writing are the essential skills to master a language’, however the writing part which can reflect students’ grasp of the language the most has still been ignored by many people. What’s more, because of the effect of mother language transfer, many students are afraid of writing psychologically. The mastery of language rules, vocabulary and expression methods are also limited, which leads to the passage lack of accuracy and authenticity. Therefore, it’s urgent to explore more efficient methods to improve students’ writing skills.

   In essence, prefabricated chunks are a kind of language structure containing both lexical and grammatical features, which usually consist of several words and contain more information than a single word with a particular discourse function (Zheng Hongyin, 2010). It is a blend of grammar, semantics and context, which is in accordance with the basic law of cognition. Consequently, in the process of writing, it can speed up the understanding of semantic and shorten the time of output for students are able to extract and use them quickly and directly. Therefore, we may find that prefabricated chunks conduce to lighten the burden of the brain’s memory and enhance writing fluency, which has superior advantages in English learning and teaching.